Wrong. Apple and AT&T split an extra $500--FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS--for every phone that is not unlocked, because that is how much MORE AT&T's phone plan costs than a comparable plan from T-Mobile.
Apple gets MOST of that $500, as per the terms of its contract with AT&T. Why do you think Apple bothered with an exclusive dealer contract in the first place? Apple gets about as much money as the iPhone costs--probably about $400--every time someone buys an iPhone plan from AT&T. Apple makes MOST of its profit on the iPhone when people buy service from AT&T.
THAT is why Apple is obsessed with unlockers. It's not because Steve Jobs is a control freak (though he is). It's because he's greedy.
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Does it matter either way? Apple gets their money. ATT doesn't. Sure they don't get monthly fee from ATT..but its better than nothing.
Wrong. Apple and AT&T split an extra $500--FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS--for every phone that is not unlocked, because that is how much MORE AT&T's phone plan costs than a comparable plan from T-Mobile.
Apple gets MOST of that $500, as per the terms of its contract with AT&T. Why do you think Apple bothered with an exclusive dealer contract in the first place? Apple gets about as much money as the iPhone costs--probably about $400--every time someone buys an iPhone plan from AT&T. Apple makes MOST of its profit on the iPhone when people buy service from AT&T.
THAT is why Apple is obsessed with unlockers. It's not because Steve Jobs is a control freak (though he is). It's because he's greedy.